JTF-Afg Air Wing
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Canada's Air Force in Afghanistan
Task Force SILVER DART
The Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing (Task Force SILVER DART) comprises all Canadian Forces (CF) air assets deployed in southwest Asia. It was formed at Kandahar Air Field on December 6, 2008, with the 200 Air Force personnel already in theatre, and quickly grew to its operating strength of 450 people.
The establishment of Task Force SILVER DART in Kandahar, Afghanistan, ushered in a new era in CF air operations; it is the first Air Force formation of its size and type that Canada has deployed to an armed conflict since the Second World War. This capability was put in place to ensure that Canada is able to play a leadership role in air operations abroad and make a meaningful contribution to international security while also protecting our own sovereignty at home.
The additional in-theatre air capacity will help save Canadian and Afghan lives by reducing ground exposure to ambushes, land mines and improvised explosive devices. Task Force SILVER DART will contribute to providing the reconstruction efforts, security and stability required for progress in development and governance initiatives in Kandahar.
Air Wing Units
Task Force FAUCON: Canadian Aviation Battalion operates the CH-147 Chinook (PDF version), CH-146 Griffon (PDF version).
Task Force EREBUS: Canadian Heron UAV Detachment operates the CU-170 Heron UAV (PDF version).
Task Force CANUCK: Tactical Airlift Unit and the Theatre Support Element operate the CC-130 Hercules (PDF version).
Additional Air Support
CC-177 Globemaster III (PDF version) and CC-150 Polaris (PDF version). Canadian Contracted Aviation Transport uses contracted Mi-8s and KA-32s to transport cargo.
